Smoke Shop Owner Admits To Illegally Selling Weed In North Jersey

SUSSEX COUNTY, NJ — A Sussex County smoke shop owner admitted to illegally selling weed from his storefront recently, according to officials.

Devin A. Pupo, 37, of Sparta, pleaded guilty to several charges following a lengthy investigation into illegal marijuana sales, authorities said.

The confession stems from an investigation into Pupo's business, Green Remedies on Sparta Avenue, after police believed he was illegally manufacturing and selling weed from there and laundering the proceeds.

Green Remedies sold hemp-derived products, but was not licensed to sell marijuana.

Related: Man Illegally Sold Weed Out Of 2 North Jersey Businesses, Cops Say

Further investigation of Pupo’s property yielded $477,135 in cash; a 2024 Chevy Suburban (containing roughly $250,000), a silver bar, and 500 silver coins, all believed to have been gained from the illegal drug dealing, police say.

Pupo was initially charged with distribution of controlled dangerous substances (CDS), possession with intent to distribute CDS, maintaining a CDS production facility, possession of a firearm while maintaining a CDS production facility, and three counts of money laundering.

Pupo's plea deal dropped the charges to second-degree unlawful possession of more than five pounds but less than 20 pounds of marijuana with intent to distribute. He pleaded guilty to the charge on Tuesday.

During his confession, Pupo admitted that the $477,135 was proceeds from the weed sales, and that he used the Chevy to transport drugs and facilitate sales, according to authorities.

“This guilty plea represents an important step in holding accountable those responsible for maintaining large-scale illegal marijuana distribution businesses,” said Sussex County Prosecutor Daniel M. Perez. “Unlicensed marijuana dispensaries operate above the law, place the public at risk, and undermine the regulated cannabis business community that plays by the rules."

Pupo is scheduled for sentencing on Jan. 15.